Western Carolina University

About

Western Carolina University is a public regional comprehensive university with nationally and internationally recognized teacher-scholars dedicated to student learning. The University provides comprehensive educational opportunities to residents in North Carolina’s far west region and attracts students from across the country and around the globe to explore the region’s rich natural surroundings. Founded in 1889 as a teaching college, Western Carolina University is the fifth oldest institution in the University of North Carolina System. It now serves more than 11,000 students in bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral level programs.

Western Carolina University’s mission is to create learning opportunities that incorporate teaching, research, service and engagement through on-campus, off-campus, online and international experiences. The university focuses on educational outreach and research, and creative and cultural activities to sustain and improve individual lives and enhance economic and community development in Western North Carolina and beyond. Educating future teachers has been a passion of ours since WCU began as a teaching college over 125 years ago. With that, we pride ourselves on continuing to offer unparalleled teacher education programs for those beginning their journeys to become teachers and for current teachers working to advance in their careers.

College or University
Cullowhee

Institution Links

My combined degree of Special and Elementary Education takes on every aspect of inclusion. I am grateful for the instruction provided by top notch professors on diversity, culture, and ability. The Inclusive Education program provides unique learning opportunities that help us transform the way we think about teaching, engage us in activities that help us understand a universal design for learning, and inspire us to be the change we want to see in the world of education.

Kalliope Balatsias

My experience in Western Carolina University’s Teacher Education Program has been amazing. From day one, I always felt welcomed and have met many friends. It has been an excellent support system, and I have always received great advice. Through multiple field experiences and a full-year internship, I am prepared to lead my own classroom. Constant feedback from multiple advisors has let me gain so much knowledge about information that can only be learned in the classroom. I can’t wait to get into the classroom to share all of the knowledge I have gained.

Brittany Sujet

Malala Yousafzai said, "Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child and one teacher, can change the world." WCU's middle grades program ensures that students feel like they are family, not just a number. Today, I still collaborate with the professors and mentors that made the school feel like home. For me, the WCU middle grades education program gave me all the tools I needed to be a successful teacher from year one. I gained classroom experience throughout my entire time in the education program. Additionally, I was given multiple opportunities to represent the college of education at the Association for Middle-Level Educators Conference and the North Carolina Middle-Level Educators Conference where I was able to learn from educators around our nation. Currently, I teach 7th grade and I know that by changing my life, WCU has given me the power to change the lives of my students who will soon change the world.

Kayleigh McAlister

Kalliope Balatsias

Back to results

Western Carolina University

Programs

Bachelor’s & licensure

Undergraduate Teacher Education Programs

Start Checklist

46 months
Program Duration
In-person, Online
Program Format
Pre-Test Required
Yes

Relevant Links

Program

Program Info

As the westernmost campus in the University of North Carolina system, Western Carolina University is proud to offer quality academic programs, including nationally recognized degree programs in education. Our teacher education programs prepare highly effective and ethical graduates who are inspired to be lifelong learners engaged in the community, and empowered to become leaders who strive to transform the future. Through rigorous coursework and extensive field experiences in partner schools, our graduates are well prepared for their future work as teachers and teacher leaders.

Get Deadline Reminders

Application Fee & Annual Tuition

$1,000
In State Tuition
$5,000
Out of State Tuition
$65
Application Fee

Ways to Lower Your Costs

Students at Western Carolina University have reduced the cost of their program using these methods. Check with Western Carolina University to see if you can, too!

Amount

Description

$275,000

Grants, Stipends, Scholarships

The College of Education and Allied Professions has over 66 unique scholarships and awarded approximately $275,000 to students for the 2023-24 academic year.

$1,000- $2,000

Work Study, Working While Still Enrolled

Work study opportunities are available. Typical awards are between $1,000 and $2,000 per year based on financial need.

$500-$2500

NC Promise

Through NC Promise, the state has significantly reduced student tuition cost to $500 per semester for in-state and $2500 per semester for out-of-state students. See more information here.

For more information visit:Financial Aid Office

Licensure Areas

Early Childhood Education Birth-K
Elementary Education K-6
English Language Arts 9-12
Health / Physical Education K-12
Language Arts 6-9
Mathematics 6-12
Mathematics 6-9
Mathematics 9-12
Music K-12
Science 6-9
Science 9-12
Social Studies 6-9
Social Studies 9-12
Special Education / Adapted K-12
Special Education / General K-12
Visual Arts K-12

Program Semesters/Steps Overview

Program Hallmarks

Stats

Gender

Male
Female

24%

76%

Ethnicity

American Indian or Alaskan Native
Asian
Black
Hispanic/Latino
Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander
White
Two or more races

86%

Get Started

Dig deeper. Visit Western Carolina University's website to learn more and apply.